DCNS has proposed building a new self-funded Gowind offshore patrol vessel (OPV) for the French Navy in a bid to win new business in the corvette sector.
The Gowind OPV provides the navy with up-to-date assets for current and emerging missions, including area surveillance to anti-piracy, counterterrorism, search and rescue at sea, as well as maritime safety and security.
The 90m-long patrol vessel has an operational range of 8000 nautical miles, accommodation of 60 and a maximum cruising speed of 21kt.
The Gowind will be able to carry self-defence and attack weapons for use against land and sea targets, and the means to project forces in a land-based conflict.
Construction work is expected to begin shortly at DCNS’s Lorient centre and the vessel is scheduled to be delivered by the end of 2011.
